Development options identified for local leisure centres

Archived press release

Date Published: 17/01/08

Aylesbury Vale District Council is considering proposals to vastly improve two of Buckinghamshire’s most popular leisure centres.
A feasibility study has identified a number of potential improvements to the Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Ce...

Aylesbury Vale District Council is considering proposals to vastly improve two of Buckinghamshire’s most popular leisure centres.

A feasibility study has identified a number of potential improvements to the Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre in Aylesbury and the Swan Pool and Leisure Centre in Buckingham to help meet the demands of the Vale’s growing population.

The report was this week presented to members of the council’s cabinet, who have asked officers to look at the affordability and sustainability of the development options considered.

The development options for Aqua Vale include an extended fitness suite, a new café at the front of the building, new dry side changing rooms and additional wet side changing facilities, a sliding roof for the outdoor pool, an extended reception area and increased parking.

Options considered for the Swan Pool include a new dance/exercise studio, improved sauna and steam room facilities, new dry side changing rooms, a new café and an extension to the crèche. The feasibility study has also recommended that the existing Swan Pool squash courts should be kept open.

The estimated costs of the improvement works at Aqua Vale and the Swan Pool are £5.4 million and £2.4 million respectively, excluding professional fees. The cost of the works could be reduced by £479,000 if the projects were taken forward in one go.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “New facilities at Aqua Vale and Swan Pool would be exciting news for the district and this report makes it clear there is definitely a need for improvements. It is essential that we improve our leisure provision to meet the growing needs of an expanding Aylesbury Vale as it continues to develop.

“The next few months will involve council officers looking at the options available to fund the refurbishment work. If the finances can be put in place, the project would provide a fantastic boost to sport and leisure in Aylesbury Vale.”

The feasibility study was produced by Faulkner Brown, who were commissioned by AVDC in September 2007 to identify projects which would improve the financial performance and quality of services provided by its leisure centres.

Aqua Vale and Swan Pool attract more than 740,000 visitors between them each year. The centres are currently managed by Serco Ltd, a private sector management contractor, on behalf of AVDC.

For further information on AVDC’s leisure centres, please visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or call 01296 585210.